Jicama: History and Utilization as Food

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Questions and Answers

What type of plant is jicama classified as?

Woody plant

Shrub

Herbaceous vine (correct)

Annual plant

Which characteristic defines jicama as a perennial plant?

It can grow for more than four years

It reproduces only once a year

It lives longer than two years (correct)

It does not need sunlight to grow

What is the first step in the processing of jicama after harvesting?

Drying the root

Cooking the tuber

Peeling the skin (correct)

Slicing into cubes

Where was jicama first domesticated?

South America Signup and view all the answers

Which method is used to cut jicama after it has been peeled?

Slicing or cubing Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary economic purpose for which Jatropha curcas is grown?

Production of biodiesel Signup and view all the answers

Which step in the oil extraction process of Jatropha curcas involves removing the moisture from harvested seeds?

Drying Signup and view all the answers

What is the final step in processing Jatropha oil before it can be used for various applications?

Refining Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the Jatropha curcas plant is primarily used for oil extraction?

Seeds Signup and view all the answers

What type of plant is Jatropha curcas classified as?

Woody shrub Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately describes a root crop?

It includes both true roots and underground stems. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is classified as a bulb?

Onion Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of taproots in root crops?

To absorb and conduct water and nutrients. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered a green vegetable crop?

Potato Signup and view all the answers

Which family do the major food bulbs like onions and garlic belong to?

Amaryllidaceae Signup and view all the answers

What caused the severe famine in Ireland in the mid-1800s?

Potato blight affecting the crop Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about potatoes is correct?

Potatoes are approximately 80% water. Signup and view all the answers

Which yam species is known for producing tubers that can weigh up to 20 kg?

Water yam Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary method of propagating yams?

Cutting mature tubers into small pieces Signup and view all the answers

What must be done to taro before it is safely consumed?

It needs to be cooked to remove irritants. Signup and view all the answers

What chemical substances mainly contribute to the flavor and aroma of spices?

Essential terpenoids Signup and view all the answers

Why were spices initially used in food preservation?

To provide medicinal benefits. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following regions was a significant source for exotic spices during the Spice Trade?

India Signup and view all the answers

What impact did Marco Polo's expeditions have on Europe?

They introduced new spices to European cuisine. Signup and view all the answers

What made the overland caravan trade routes unreliable and expensive for spice supply to Europe?

Profiteering and difficult desert crossings Signup and view all the answers

Which sea route did Vasco de Gama discover in 1499?

A route around Africa to India and East Asia Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant economic impact of the plantations established by the Dutch and British by the mid-1800s?

More reliable and affordable supply of spices and other commodities Signup and view all the answers

Which member of the Mint Family is known for its sharp, pungent flavor and is widely used in cooking?

Rosemary Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of the essential oils found in the Mint Family plants?

They lose potency when dried Signup and view all the answers

What does the energy balance measure in bioethanol production?

The ratio of bioethanol energy produced to the energy required for its manufacture Signup and view all the answers

What innovation is necessary for efficient bioethanol production from non-tropical species like switchgrass?

Development of efficient methods to convert cellulose into sugar Signup and view all the answers

Which country has achieved the highest energy balance for bioethanol production?

Brazil Signup and view all the answers

What historical factor significantly contributed to the establishment of large sugar plantations in the Caribbean?

The lack of local labor and the need for cheap labor from Africa Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of sugar cane makes it beneficial for bioethanol production compared to other plants?

Its high sugar content and efficient energy balance Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes starch from cellulose in terms of glucose unit linkage?

Starch has alpha (α) 1-4 glycosidic bonds, while cellulose has beta (ß) 1-4 glycosidic bonds. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the digestibility of starch and cellulose?

Only starch is digestible by humans, while cellulose is not. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main source of bioethanol production?

Sugar breakdown via anaerobic fermentation. Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic makes bioethanol a sustainable energy source?

It is derived from continuously renewable plant resources. Signup and view all the answers

Which component of plant cells is primarily made up of cellulose?

Cell wall. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes saturated fats from unsaturated fats?

Saturated fats contain no double bonds. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes trans double bonds?

They allow for a more stable, linear structure. Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of hydrogenation in oils?

It transforms unsaturated fats into saturated fats. Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is associated with highly unsaturated plant oils?

They are classified as drying oils used in lubricants. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential health impact of consuming trans fatty acids?

They raise LDL cholesterol levels. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary process used to produce biodiesel from plant oils?

Transesterification Signup and view all the answers

Which plant oil has the highest production efficiency for biodiesel according to the provided data?

Palm oil Signup and view all the answers

What significant environmental advantage does biodiesel have over petroleum-based diesel?

Less net life cycle emissions Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic of canola oil makes it suitable for cooking and food products?

Contains 40% oil rich in polyunsaturates Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason that biodiesel produced from canola oils may face operational challenges in cold weather?

Gelling at low temperatures Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the extraction of sunflower oil?

It is extracted from sunflower seeds through cold pressing. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of flaxseed oil derived from edible flax seeds?

It is a rich source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic of the olive tree contributes to its cultivation regions?

It is not tolerant of prolonged freezing temperatures. Signup and view all the answers

What processing method is necessary for unripe olives to become edible?

They must be treated with lye and pickled in brine. Signup and view all the answers

Which component accounts for about 40% of the olive fruit and contributes to its nutritional value?

The pulp of the fruit that contains beneficial fats. Signup and view all the answers

What role does latex play in plants?

It protects plants from injury and deters pests. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism by which vulcanization enhances rubber?

It introduces disulfide bonds for stabilization. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the Para rubber tree is true?

It is susceptible to fungal diseases in its native habitat. Signup and view all the answers

What type of substance is crude rubber classified as?

An elastomer with thermoplastic properties. Signup and view all the answers

Which compound is primarily responsible for the structure of polyterpenes in latex?

Polyisoprene Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of natural rubber in the manufacturing of modern radial tires?

To provide better shock absorption in sidewalls Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about synthetic rubber is accurate?

It is usually considered inferior to natural rubber. Signup and view all the answers

What significant impact did the rubber boom from 1879 to 1912 have on Manaus, Brazil?

It made Manaus wealthier and led to the construction of the Amazonas Opera House. Signup and view all the answers

How did indigenous peoples in Brazil use rubber to create clothing?

By dipping their feet in liquid latex and allowing it to harden Signup and view all the answers

What was a major disadvantage of crude rubber used historically during the 1700s and 1800s?

It tended to decompose and emitted foul odors. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of ginning in the processing of cotton?

To mechanically remove seed hair fibers from cotton seeds Signup and view all the answers

Which method involves decomposing freshly harvested plant material in stagnant water to obtain plant fibers?

Retting Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of plant fibers influences their use in various applications?

Surface roughness and elasticity Signup and view all the answers

What type of fibers are primarily extracted using the decortication method?

Hard leaf fibers Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason that monocultures are more efficiently harvested?

They have seeds that mature all at once. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary composition of fresh cotton fibres?

91% cellulose and 8% water. Signup and view all the answers

What process is mainly used to clean cotton fibres after harvesting?

Mechanical plucking using specialized spikes and rollers. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the mercerization process in cotton manufacturing?

To improve luster and durability of the yarn. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the characteristics of kapok fibres?

They are lightweight and resilient, composed of cellulose and lignin. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary commercial use of robusta coffee?

Instant coffees and less expensive blends Signup and view all the answers

Where were the first coffee houses established in the early 1700s?

London Signup and view all the answers

What environmental condition is essential for growing coffee plants?

Consistent year-round temperature around 20°C Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following coffee species is known for its superior flavor?

Coffea arabica Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference in processing between black tea and green tea?

Black tea is produced using fully oxidized leaves, while green tea is minimally oxidized. Signup and view all the answers

Which countries are identified as the largest producers of tea?

China, India, Kenya, and Sri Lanka Signup and view all the answers

Which step is NOT part of the black tea production process?

Partially shredding the leaves before oxidation. Signup and view all the answers

What climate conditions are optimal for growing tea?

Tropical to subtropical climates with ample rainfall and steady temperatures around 20°C. Signup and view all the answers

When was coffee first introduced to the Caribbean?

In 1727 by the English Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Jicama (Pachyrhizus erosus)

Family: Pea family (Fabaceae)
Type of plant: Herbaceous vine
Lifespan: Perennial (lives longer than 2 years)
Native distribution: Mexico and Central America

History as a Food Plant

Domestication: First domesticated in Mexico, archaeological sites date to 3000 BC, also found in Peru.
Widely grown: Central America and Southeast Asia
Introduction to Asia: Introduced by the Spanish in the 17th century.
Popularity: Popular in the Philippines, China, and other parts of the region.

Utilization

Part used: Tuberous root
Processing:
- Harvesting: Taproot system, harvested from the ground.
- Peeling: Thin, brown skin is peeled off.
- Cutting: Cut into sticks, cubes, or slices.
Consumption: Raw in salads, salsas, crunchy snacks (with lime juice and chili powder); cooked in stir-fries, soups, and stews (retains crisp texture).

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Description

Explore the fascinating journey of jicama, from its domestication in ancient Mexico to its popularity in Southeast Asia. Learn about its unique characteristics and various ways to prepare and consume this versatile tuberous root. Discover the cultural significance of jicama and its impact on culinary traditions.